Fire sweeps through new block of London flats as witness claims it may have been started by a solar panel

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A fire has swept through a new block of flats in east London with a witness suggesting it may have been started by a solar panel on the roof.

London Fire Brigade said some 80 firefighters were battling the blaze, with dramatic images posted online showing the roof consumed by flames.

The blaze took place at a development still under construction containing five houses and 19 apartments, which were set to sell for as much as £1million each.

London Fire Brigade said some 80 firefighters were battling the blaze, with dramatic images posted online showing the roof consumed by flamesCredit:
TWITTER / IBRAHIMCHSTV

One witness told the MailOnline: "I noticed massive billows of smoke when I was leaving my flat so I quickly rushed back and noticed it was the building opposite.

"The spread seemed concentrated around the solar panels on the top. It looked a bit like the solar panels were on fire.

"Originally I thought the flames were coming from one of the nearby high rise blocks but then I realised it's a new build that's not finished yet so that was a relief."

London Fire Brigade said was called to the building on Bow Wharf, Wennington Road, shortly after 11am, with 12 fire engines sent to the scene.

At least 75 per cent of the roof of one of the developments blocks of luxury flats has been destroyed by flames along with parts of the third floor.

London Fire Brigade said was called to the building on Bow Wharf, Wennington Road, shortly after 11amCredit:
TWITTER / IBRAHIMCHSTV

London Fire Brigade statement said: ‘Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters and officers have been called to a fire at a building under construction on Bow Wharf, Wennington Road E3.

‘The third floor and roof of the four storey residential block are fully alight. A small part of the first and second floors are also affected.

‘The Brigade was called at 1110. Crews from Bethnal Green, Homerton, Shadwell, Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Poplar, Millwall and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.’

The brigade later tweeted that the fire was ‘under control’, but that they would remain in the area dampening it down.